Morro Bay Life • June 2022

JUNE 2022 • MORROBAYLIFENEWS.COM

S e r v i n g t h e C o m m u n i t i e s o f M o r r o B ay a n d C ay u c o s

2 Best of Morro Bay nd Annual

READERS POLL

Happy Father's Day INSIDE THIS ISSUE:

JUNE CALENDAR

PAGE 4

PAGE 6

PAGE 7

TO CREATE REEFS OFF MORRO ROCK

REMEMBERING DETECTIVE BENEDETTI

PROJECT SURF CAMP BBQ

PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID PERMIT NO. 19 PASO ROBLES, CA

PEACE OFFICER MEMORIAL

******ECRWSSEDDM****** POSTAL CUSTOMER MORRO BAY, CA 93442

PSL BREAKWATER REPAIR

2 • June 2022 • Morro Bay Life

Making Communities Better Through Print™

2 Best of Morro Bay nd Annual

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morro bay life is published monthly. all rights reserved, material may not be reprinted without written consent from the publisher. morro bay life made every effort to maintain the accuracy of information presented in this publication, but assumes no responsibility for errors, changes or omissions. morro bay life is a publication of 13 stars media.

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Today, we celebrate side hustles that became main hustles, dreamers that became doers, maxed out credit cards that became thriving businesses, big fails that became big wins, and individuals with ideas that became teams with visions.

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Through Print

making communities better

M O R R O B A Y L I F E N E W S . C O M

e are thrilled to share the winners of our Second Annual Best of Morro Bay Readers Poll Winners with you! (see page 9) We thoroughly enjoy going through all your votes each year and responses; the support you all share for all our local businesses is incredible! Be sure to visit each of the winners you all chose and congratulate them on being this year’s winners!

We are honored to highlight those in our community that make it the best place to live, raise a family, work, or own a business. Over the last two challenging years, we have seen that resilience rise within our communities and see everyone pull together when it was needed most. This is one of the reasons why we created the Best of Morro Bay Readers Poll to allow the community a place where they could show support for all the local small businesses that give back to the community each and every day.

As you travel around the world and experience different cultures, climates, governments, and opportunities, our Central Coast community is one of a kind. We thank you for supporting our local businesses and participating in our Second Annual Readers Poll.

In June this year, on the 19th, we celebrate our fathers for all the love, support, and guidance they give to our families and us. Watching Nic guide and mentor our boys as they grow fills my heart and soul. He is an incredible father and friend. We are truly blessed to have him. Happy Father’s Day to all the dads and men who step into that role when one is needed. I miss my dad each and every day — much love to you all who are missing your loved ones.

In June, we also celebrate Juneteenth; the California legislature recognizes Juneteenth as the third Saturday of June, “Juneteenth National Freedom Day: A Day of Observance.” The now federal holiday that falls on June 19 this year is culturally significant to all Americans as the announcement of the end of state-sanctioned slavery following the end of the deadliest war in American history.

As we start to enjoy the warm summer days, we are ready to attend some of our much-loved events and gatherings (see page 7). Concerts in the park, Waterfront Market, Project Surf Camp, and Marine Swap Meet are just a few of the fun community events we are looking forward to.

Every year summertime brings a sense of adventure and endless possibilities, long summer days soaking up the sunshine at the beach, and lots of visitors! So stay safe, enjoy the warm weather, and we look forward to seeing you all on the Embarcadero.

Morro Bay Life • June 2022 • 3

Making Communities Better Through Print™

congratulations Putting a Spotlight on Businesses The Morro Bay Chamber of Commerce is putting a spotlight on local businesses! Spotlight Businesses are nominated and selected by fellow business owners in Morro Bay as a standout business with exceptional ownership.

Business spotlights recognize Chamber member businesses that provide a consistent, positive customer experience, are actively engaged in the community and demonstrate resilience during challenging times.

If you know of a business or non-profit that deserves a spotlight, please send your nomination to our Ambassador’s Committee for review by emailing Lynsey Hansen at lynsey@morrochamber.org.

Please help us CONGRATULATE these businesses on their spotlight award by visiting their establishments, purchasing their products or services, and leaving good reviews online.

THE CHAMBER IS PROUD TO SUPPORT THESE MBHS STUDENTS! Thanks to extraordinary support for our scholarship program from guests at the Chamber’s Annual Gala in March, our organization is able to again award scholarships for higher education to seniors at Morro Bay High School. We are proud to recognize these exceptional students and wish them well in their pursuit of further education. We’d like to specially thank Poppy Boutique for stepping in and sponsoring a fifth student this year, bringing the Chamber’s total scholarship awards to over $3,000 in 2022.

Kacie Giordano Miguel Salgado Martinez Emily Duclos Andrew Estala Dylan Turner

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram or our website morrochamber.org. For more information contact Lynsey Hansen, Membership Director at lynsey@morrochamber.org

Congratulations!

4 • June 2022 • Morro Bay Life

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COASTAL COMMISSION

PSL Breakwater Repair to Create Reefs off Morro Rock

By NEIL FARRELL for Morro Bay Life MORRO BAY — A project to rebuild the breakwater at Port San Luis in Avila Beach will include construction of several underwater reefs near Morro Rock, and return boulders blasted away from what is considered a sacred Native American cultural site.

The Army Corps of Engineers (ACOE) is getting set to rebuild the PSL breakwater, bringing in tens of thousands of pounds of new multi-ton boulders to restore the rock pile that protects PSL harbor facilities, Harford Pier and moored boats from the sea's power.

On May 12, the Coastal Commission was to review the ACOE's project, which had already been approved at the staff level but came back around after the Corps made a substantial change in the plans. The commission's role in such projects is to review them through the lens of the California Coastal Act, and make sure the federal agency's actions jibe with state law.

"The project includes the repair of approximately 1,420 feet of existing breakwater by resetting stones and raising the overall height of the breakwater by 3 feet (back to its original design height and configuration)," reads the Coastal Commission's report.

The ACOE will be removing some 15,000 cubic yards of "sandy sediment from eelgrass habitat to create adequate depths for barges and other construction vessels to access the breakwater during repairs," according to the report.

"Following Commission concurrence

and finalization of the 2021 Environmental Assessment," the report continued, "the Corps learned that the breakwater repair may result in up to 10,000 tons of displaced, existing PSL breakwater stone, which may not be able to be reincorporated back into the breakwater structure and would need to be relocated."

Some of that stone was determined to be too small to meet the new design requirements, and "maintain the hydraulic stability of the breakwater."

Those boulders, some weighing 10 tons, originally came from Morro Rock, and Native American groups became involved, urging the ACOE to either place the rocks as close to the PSL breakwater as possible, or move them back to Morro Bay. From the late 1800s to the early 1960s, the ACOE quarried Morro Rock, blasting away some 1 million tons of boulders that were used to build breakwaters up and down the coast. It was used as rip rap to form Morro Bay Harbor and the Embarcadero tourist area, and at PSL too, among numerous other uses.

"Morro Rock is a recognized sacred site for the Chumash and Salinan tribes," the Commission's report said. "The tribes consider the existing breakwater stone as sacred, despite its removal from Lisamu’ [the Chumash name for Morro Rock]. To prevent further adverse effects to cultural resources, the consulting tribes requested that the displaced rock be relocated to an area near the PSL Breakwater or near Lisamu’, so as to retain the unity of the sacred stone as much as possible."

So the ACOE and the tribes got together

MBL PSL rock dump site map: This chart shows where the Army Corps of Engineers plans to dump some 10,000 tons of unusable rocks and boulders taken from the Port San Luis Breakwater Repair Project, creating new underwater reefs a short distance from Morro Rock. Numbers on the map indicate the water depth. Map provided by ACOE

and chose a site about 1,500 feet due west of Morro Rock, in Estero Bay, covering about a 3-acre area. Water depths range from 50 feet to 65 feet below the surface, according to the report.

What will become underwater reefs will rise from 1-13 feet from the sea floor. The ACOE is modeling these new rock piles after an artificial reef project it did off Palos Verde in Los Angeles County.

The ACOE's Port San Luis project was to begin at the end of April and be done in October, but the changes to the project have delayed it. Connolly Pacific was hired to do the meticulous breakwater reconstruction and will be placing boulders weighing 15-20 tons

each, some 60,000 total tons of them.

Building structures like breakwaters is an exact science, as all of the boulders will be purposefully placed in certain positions using GPS and computer modeling, so as to fit together and "lock" into place forming an impenetrable wall against nature to protect harbor facilities.

In the early 2000s, the ACOE rebuilt Morro Bay's South Breakwater, which juts into the sea from near the end of the Sandspit and along with the North Jetty, forms the entrance to the harbor. That project was several million dollars and also meticulously placed the new stones brought in on barges.

SLO County Supervisors Will Not Propose Charter Government Public raises concerns over allocation of American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 grants

By CAMILLE DEVAUL for Morro Bay Life SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY — The San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors met for a regular meeting on Tuesday, May 17. During this meeting, supervisors considered the adoption of a resolution that proposed putting County Charter on the ballot for the Nov. 8 election.

Many members of the public voiced their

opinions on the possibility of transitioning to a county charter. San Luis Obispo County is currently a general law run county — as are the majority of counties in California.

On Dec. 7, 2021, the Board of Supervisors directed staff to proceed with the process to have the board consider the adoption of a County Charter to be considered on the Nov. 8 election ballot.

While general law counties mainly adhere to state laws as to the number and duties of elected officials, charter counties have a limited degree of “home rule” authority that may provide for the election, compensation, terms, removal, and salary of the governing board. The charter would not affect ruling over the sheriff ’s office.

Current charter counties in California include Alameda, Butte, El Dorado, Fresno, Los Angeles, Orange, Placer, Sacramento, San Bernardino, San Diego, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, and Tehama.

The majority of public commenters wished to keep the county’s government ruling the way it is and disagreed with moving forward with the possibility of a

charter county.

District 1 Supervisor John Peschong clarified, if put in place, no safeguards can be placed on the charter. It cannot be modified in any way.

Following public comment, Supervisor Peschong said he would not be supporting the charter proposal and motioned to postpone the subject indefinitely.

However, he admitted, “I actually thought it was a pretty good idea when Orange County did it. But it does look like the Constitution does bar us from putting in some safeguards to allow it to happen.

At the end of the day, it’s not a good idea.”

District 5 Supervisor Debbie Arnold seconded the motion.

District 2 Supervisor Bruce Gibson wanted to further pursue the conversation of independent redistricting but was supportive of not forcing staff and use of taxpayer dollars to further pursue the charter.

Ultimately, all the supervisors approved Peschong’s motion to postpone the charter county proposal indefinitely.

Concerns from the public were

raised regarding the issuance of granted funds represented in consent agenda Item 9. Supervisors pulled the item for a separate discussion.

Item 9 was the staff ’s request to approve funding allocations for the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 (ARPA) nonprofit grants meant for those contributing to community health. Addressing homelessness was a priority for the board when considering allocating the funds.

Several nonprofits who applied for the grant and were denied the funds issued complaints that the application process was unfair. Some of those nonprofits included the Paso Robles Youth Arts Center and Boys & Girls Club.

During public comment, El Camino Homeless OrganizatTion President and CEO Wendy Lewis said they are in consideration to receive the funds.

Supervisor Peschong motioned to table the allocation of ARPA funds for 30 days to discuss with the nonprofits how the funds can be better allocated. The motion was passed unanimously and will be brought back for discussion on June 21.

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6 • June 2022 • Morro Bay Life

Making Communities Better Through Print™

CLEAN ENERGY

California Reconsidering Closure of Diablo Canyon Power Plant

By CAMILLE DEVAUL for Morro Bay Life SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY — On Thursday, April 28, Governor Gavin Newsom told the L.A. Times editorial board he is reconsidering the closure of the Diablo Canyon Nuclear Power Plant in San Luis Obispo.

The power plant stands as California’s last power plant. Planned to begin decommissioning in 2025, Newsom said the state is now looking to seek out a share of $6 billion in federal funds for nuclear reactors facing closure. In 2021, the plant in Diablo Canyon generated 6 percent of the state’s power.

Earlier this month, the Biden administration announced they were accepting applications for their $6 billion Civil Nuclear Credit Program. The funding is an effort to prevent at-risk nuclear facilities from premature closure while supporting Biden’s clean energy goals.

The Department of Energy’s (DOE) guidance for receiving the funds includes “... nuclear power reactors that are expected to shut down due to economic circumstances ...”

Additionally, the DOE says the investment is meant to avoid premature

retirements of reactors and to preserve jobs.

Per Newsom, the state has until May 19 to submit its application to receive the funds. State officials would later decide their final plans on whether or not to pursue the option. However, it was clarified by a spokesperson for the governor that he will still seek to close the facility long-term.

Diablo Canyon Power Plant began providing power in 1985. Six years ago, PG&E agreed to close the plant.

According to the U.S. Energ y Information Administration, there were 93 operating nuclear reactors in the United States at the end of 2021. However, in 2021 alone, there were 23 nuclear reactors shut down at 19 different sites in various decommissioning stages.

A 2013 economic impact study conducted

by PG&E and Cal Poly stated the power plant directly provided over 1,483 local jobs — not including employment produced from contracted work. Locally, those jobs equate to a total payroll of $202,520,307.

The California governor told the L.A. Times he has been thinking about extending the power plant’s operation since before August 2020 — when the state experienced rolling blackouts during a heatwave that prevented solar farms from operating.

Additionally, Anthony York, a

spokesperson for Newsom, told L.A. Times the decision to reconsider Diablo’s closure was driven by projections of potential power shortages in California in the next few years.

PG&E has declined to comment on how federal funds may be used to keep Diablo open. However, it was previously reported the operation of the plant past 2025 would require billions of dollars to comply with new regulations.

California State Sen. John Laird, whose district includes San Luis Obispo County, said of the developing news, “The shuttering of Diablo Canyon has been years in the making, with hundreds of millions of dollars already committed for decommissioning.

Along with the residents of the Central Coast, I am eager to see what the Governor and federal officials have in mind.”

SLO County District 5 Supervisor Debbie Arnold also commented that she wished the power plant remained open.

She said, “I am very excited to see a change in current state policy that might allow PG&E to keep Diablo Canyon operational.”

In 2016 PG&E made the decision to start on the decommissioning path for Diablo Power Plant. The decision came after a new state policy regarding their once-through cooling system.

In May 2010, the California Water Resources Control Board adopted a new policy mandating the state’s power plants update their once-through cooling systems. At the time, San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station (operated by Southern California Edison) was still in operation.

The policy was last amended on November 30, 2020.

Once-through cooling systems is a process where water (Pacific Ocean water in Diablo’s case) is pumped through to cool down its reactors. The water is then pumped back out into the plant’s coastline.

The cost to implement the new cooling system policy and update earthquake infrastructure led to PG&E making the decision to not follow through with renewing their permit with Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC).

Unit one and two at the power plant will shut down following their permit expiration in 2024 and 2025. The decommissioning process will take approximately ten years, according to PG&E. If a decision is made to keep the Diablo Canyon Power Plant open or delay its closure until after 2025, State and Federal legislature would have to hasten an approved permit from NRC — a process that takes years to gain approval.

IN MEMORIAM

Fallen Peace Officers Remembered in Ceremony May 10 marks one year since Detective Luca Benedetti’s death

By CAMILLE DEVAUL for Morro Bay Life SAN LUIS OBISPO COUNTY — Two San Luis Obispo County peace officers were honored and remembered on Thursday, May 5, at the SLO County Peace Officers’ Memorial held at Pismo Beach Pier.

The annual event honors peace officers who died in the line of duty. This year’s event was especially personal to the county since it comes just days short of one year anniversary of the loss of San Luis Obispo Police Detective Luca Benedetti.

Benedetti (37) lost his life in the line of duty on May 10, 2021, in San Luis Obispo while serving a search warrant. Benedetti was laid to rest on May 20, 2021, at the Paso Robles District Cemetery, following a memorial and procession.

His memorial, held at the Cal Poly Performing Arts Center in San Luis Obispo, was attended by thousands of community members and law enforcement officers.

During the memorial service, SLOPD Sgt. Caleb Kemp said, “Detective Luca Benedetti died with a warrior’s heart, serving his community and doing what he loved. I want to thank the Benedetti family for sharing him with the rest of the world and thank Luca for sharing himself with all of us ... We will heal; we will never forget, but we will heal.

Luca’s sacrifice, legacy, will permanently be etched into the lives he touched, living his life to the fullest.”

Following the memorial, law enforcement led a procession from SLO to Benedetti’s resting place in Paso Robles. The Redding Police Department, Menlo Park Police Department, Stanislaus County Sheriff ’s Office, Carson City (Nevada) Sheriff ’s Office, City of Fresno Police, Manhattan Beach Police, and San Diego County Sheriff ’s Office were just some of the agencies involved.

Also remembered at the event was Sgt.

Thomas Stanley of the Atascadero State Hospital Police Department. Stanley, 56, died from covid-related complications on December 31, 2021.

The ceremony included the California Depar tment of Corrections and Rehabilitation Honor Guard and 21-gun salute team, a California Highway Patrol flyover, and an American flag displayed by the San Luis Obispo Fire Department ladder truck. The Peace Officers’ Memorial Ceremony is organized and coordinated by the Criminal Justice Administrators’ Association.

San Luis Obispo Police Chief Rick Scott released the following statement to Morro Bay Life: “Today, we joined our community in honor of our fallen heroes who sacrificed their lives in service to our California Communities.

Among them is Luca Benedetti of the San Luis Obispo Police Department, lost in the line of duty on May 10, 2021. We will always remember and honor Detective Benedetti’s selfless service for our police family and a

grateful community. We will never forget Luca and the inspiring legacy he leaves behind.”

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Morro Bay Life • June 2022 • 7

Making Communities Better Through Print™

junE

SUBMIT UPCOMING EVENTS TO: office@13starsmedia.com

DUE TO COVID-19 ALL EVENTS ARE TENTATIVE AND DATES ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE. PLEASE CALL AHEAD OR CHECK ONLINE FOR MORE DETAILS.

24- FRIAUG 26

FRI

jun

26th Annual Concerts in the Plaza MISSION PLAZA DOWNTOWN SLO

4:30am - 8pm Band Line Up Includes: • June 24: Brass Mash plus Chris Beland • July 1: Resination plus Kevin Graybill

4-5 satjun 18-19

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Waterfront Market 1001 FRONT ST. EMBARCADERO

10am - 4pm One-of-a-kind unique gifts you would not find anywhere else. Everything from soy candles, stitched & knitted goods, bath, body, and skincare products, incense, locally made snacks, and jewelry.

Saturdays

Summer Concert Series ATASCADERO LAKE PARK

6:30am - 8:30pm Band Line Up Includes: • June 18: The Counterfeit Kings

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Happy Father's Day Juneteenth

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Live Oak Music Festival EL CHORRO REGIONAL PARK

SEA PINES GOLF RESORT, LOS OSOS

A fun-filled weekend of great music, art, camping, and activities! For more info, visit liveoakfest.org

2 - 6pm Band Line Up Includes: • June 4: JD Project • June 11: Stellar Band • June 18: JJ Brown • June 25: Carbon City Lights

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Project Surf Camp BBQ Fundraiser

Morro Bay Marine Swap Meet

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8am - 1pm 3 - 7pm This free event will have all things Free event, donations appreciated, annual marine-related for sale. For more info, visit summer bbq-fundraiser that supports Project friendsofthembhd.org Surf Camp; visit projectsurfcamp.wildapricot.org for more information.

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July 4 in Cayucos Days activities: Early risers can join in the Sand Sculpture contest Arrive 4 am-5 am and wrap up by 10am.

Prizes for adults and kids Town Parade 10am-6pm Front Street Faire shopping and food vendors Lions Club BBQ 9pm (as dusk allows) Fireworks at the pier. No tickets necessary

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8 • June 2022 • Morro Bay Life

Making Communities Better Through Print™

TASTE OF AMERICANA

Father’s Day Ideas for ‘Junior Chefs’

BARBIE BUTZ Commentary

O

n June 19, we will celebrate Father’s Day, and I’ve selected some recipes that should allow some of the “junior chefs” in your family to show off a little. After all, dads deserve to “give up the grill” for a day and let someone else do the cookin’.

This first recipe is simple and will allow the kids to participate easily. These used to be called Hobo Packs, but apparently, some folks didn’t like the name since they heard that hobos were defined as tramps in the dictionary. So now they are often called Grill Pouches. So, call them what you want, they are delicious!

Grill Pouches Ingredients and Directions: Heat the grill to 475 degrees. Toss 1 lb.

Idaho potatoes, scrubbed and diced; 1 lb.

sweet potatoes, scrubbed and diced; 1 large red bell pepper, seeded and sliced; and 1 small yellow onion, diced, with ½ tbsp. vegetable oil, 1 ¼ tsp. salt and 1 tsp. chopped fresh oregano.

Create 6 large rectangles of 2 layers of heavy-duty aluminum foil. Divide mixture evenly (about 1 1/3 cups per packet) among foil rectangles. Break up 1 lb. fresh chorizo, casings removed, into small pieces and sprinkle evenly over mixture. Fold packets to seal well. Cook on covered grill, turning over halfway through, until sausage is cooked through and potatoes are tender, 28 to 30 minutes. Open packets very carefully.

Sprinkle with additional oregano if desired.

Note: Try andouille or spicy Italian sausage in place of the chorizo. Prep all of the ingredients; toss with the oil, salt, and oregano and place some in individual bowls and let the kids fill the pouches. It might be easier to use some of the sausages that can be sliced, like polish sausage. Serve with warm corn tortillas.

If you can find a smooth spot on the foil, let the kids write a name on the pouch with a black marker. Have fun and be creative with this recipe! Pouches can be served for breakfast, lunch or dinner.

This next recipe comes from Kate Dubost,

owner with her husband, Curt, of Dubost Winery and Vineyard. It’s also a wonderful and easy-to-make dessert. Use clear plastic 5 ounce cups.

Key Lime Pie In A Cup Ingredients: 1 8 oz cream cheese bar, slightly softened in microwave 1 14 oz can sweetened condensed milk 2 limes 4 graham crackers, crushed 1 tbsp butter, melted Directions: In a food processor, mix softened cream cheese and sweetened condensed milk until smooth with no lumps. Squeeze juice from 1 lime into mixture, saving peel for grating later. In a separate bowl, mix crushed graham crackers with melted butter, and mix with a fork until crumbly and butter is distributed evenly. In six 5-ounce clear cups, begin to layer, graham cracker mixture on the bottom first, and then cream cheese mixture next. Repeat this process one more time. With a fine grater, grate lime peel on top. Slice remaining lime into rounds and then quarter. Use wedges for garnish atop each serving. Serves 6.

For another quick, delicious dessert, try this simple recipe using strawberries or

other summer berries, and whipped cream.

Mix-and Match Berries and Cream Ingredients: 1 cup chilled heavy cream 1 tbsp sugar 1 tsp vanilla extract 1 small pinch of kosher salt Macerated Berries 1 lb any berries, halved, quartered if large ¼ cup sugar 1 small pinch of kosher salt Directions: Using the largest (and widest) whisk you have, beat cream, vanilla, and salt in a large chilled bowl until soft peaks form, 3-6 minutes. Whipped cream can be made 2 hours ahead. Cover and chill. Just before serving, whisk cream once or twice to re-fluff. Do not over-whip. Combine berries, sugar, and salt in a medium bowl. Let sit, occasionally tossing, until juicy, at least 15 minutes. Add berries to whipped cream and fold gently until mixture is streaky but barely combined (just one or two strokes). Scoop into small glasses. Berries can be macerated 2 hours ahead. Leave at room temperature.

Decorate each serving with a fresh berry or two and a sprig of fresh mint, if available.

Happy Father’s Day. Stay safe and healthy and enjoy. Cheers!

MENTAL HEALTH AND WELLNESS

Enhancing Cognitive Functioning

By DANIEL RICH Commentary

M

any experts agree that the more people challenge themselves, the less likely they will be faced with cognitive decline. The experts specifically suggest that anything that encourages a person to think in new and different ways may help to fight cognitive decline.

There are many ways to be challenged. Of course, this should be tailored to the individual, building on their particular interests, abilities, and strengths.

Examples include taking up drawing, painting, playing a musical instrument, gardening, cooking, photography, or studying a foreign language. Anything that expands your horizons encourages you to think, plan and act in new ways.

Joining a group book club, meeting, and discussing books or articles combines both social interactions as well as intellectual stimulation.

Enrolling in your local junior college or university and taking courses is potentially enriching. Some courses can be taken without actually receiving course credits. There are

typically a wide variety of available courses; reviewing the school's catalogs would be a starting point in learning what is available.

Other approaches to obtaining intellectual stimulation and being helpful to others would be to volunteer at your local continuation or high school. For example, I used to assist middle school students in their computer lab.

The main point is to be challenged and stimulated. So, for example, I have tried learning different types of computer operating systems and different types of cameras to that end.

One source suggests that instead of new hobbies or activities, just do more of what you love, which can be as simple as reading daily newspapers or playing Monopoly or similar games with your children or grandchildren.

It has been pointed out that there are both physical and mental benefits of regular exercise.

The suggestion is to participate in outdoor activities, such as taking up walking, hiking, sailing, golfing, or off-road mountain biking.

In addition, regular exercise, even simply walking, can result in thinking improvement in just months.

In my opinion, there is one common denominator in all of the activities listed in the beginning of this article. That is risk-taking,

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the right kind of risk-taking. When I talk about risk, I do not mean bungee jumping or driving recklessly.

What I mean is taking the risk of trying something new or looking at things in a new way. This means taking the risk of being involved in the unfamiliar or even taking the risk of failure. But, in my opinion, those risks pale in comparison to the potential benefits of not only enriching your life, but potentially minimizing cognitive decline.

But with taking risks also comes the satisfaction of trying new things, learning new skills, or simply viewing the world in different ways.

It means getting out of the rut of doing things the way that you always have.

It means being flexible and open-minded.

It also means that that there is some risk of missteps or even failures. But in the end, experiencing life in new and different ways not only keeps you sharp and focused, but can be both rewarding and exciting.

Besides the previously mentioned activities, it has been suggested that there are both physical and mental benefits of regular exercise. It has been suggested to participate in outdoor activities, which could include

walking, hiking, sailing, golfing, or off-road mountain biking. In addition, regular exercise, even simply walking, can result in improved thinking in just months.

Strength training is also beneficial because it is not the only exercise that can improve thinking, but it can also minimize the risk of falling.

Besides regular exercise, it has suggested that a Mediterranean style of diet, including eating at least two servings of fish a week, such as salmon, helps to slow cognitive decline. Additionally, note that excessive alcohol consumption has been linked to cognitive decline.

Writing this article was one example of risktaking. I was taking the risk of being seen as being stupid or not presenting anything valuable.

On the other hand, if anyone finds this article meaningful or helpful, then this has been rewarding for me and worthwhile for the readers.

Your comments or reactions are welcomed.

Daniel Rich is a retired therapist and independent opinion columnist for The Central Coast Journal; you can email him at djrich9133@sbcglobal.net.

Morro Bay Life • June 2022 • 9

Making Communities Better Through Print™

L

ike the fog breaking at noon over the three stacks and the Rock of Morro Bay, the world warms with the exit from the covid health crisis and celebrating the second annual Best of Morro Bay Readers Poll is a perfect way to welcome summer. Hello summer! Hello winners!

For our second annual, we learned a lot about how to customize this for Morro Bay going forward to make sure the residents are given the best opportunity to appreciate what makes Morro Bay a wonderful community all year long. We enter a special phase of life in America, and celebrating

the beauty of independence, hard work, and ownership of your craft, your community, and your service is what the readers poll is all about. We hear straight from you about Morro Bay. The Best of Morro Bay celebrates all the winners chosen by local readers of Morro Bay Life. Every year, we see veteran business and new upstarts get recognized for what they do. Please enjoy the Second Annual Best of Morro Bay Reader’s Poll!

Please visit the businesses and congratulate them on their win!

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10 • June 2022 • Morro Bay Life

Giving Best Charity Event Morro Bay Sings Best Charity or Nonprofit Project Surf Camp Best Youth Charity Project Surf Camp Best Local Nonprofit Project Completed within the Past Year Harbor Patrol Boat Fund Best Local Fundraiser Harbor Patrol Boat Fundraiser

Food & Beverage Best Brunch Special Dorn's Breakers Cafe Best French Toast Dorn's Breakers Cafe

Carla’s Country Kitchen Best Breakfast Joint Carla’s Country Kitchen

Making Communities Better Through Print™

Best Tacos Taco Temple Best Pizza Pizza Port Best French Fries (Tie) Bottle Liquor Flavor Factory Best Steakhouse The Galley Best Overall Dining Experience Dorn's Breakers Cafe Best Overall Food & Beverage Service Dorn's Breakers Cafe Best Gelato, Ice Cream, Frozen Dessert Grandmas Frozen Yogurt & Waffle Best Dessert, Bake or Cake Shop (Tie) La Parisian Bakery Buttercup Bakery

Best Pastry La Parisienne

Best Cake Taco Temple Carrot Cake

Best Bread Dorn's Breakers Cafe

Wine & Vineyards

Best Tea Top Dog Coffee Bar

Travel, Entertainment, Leiser & Events Best Parade, Cruise, or Community Celebration Lighted Boat Parade Best Girl's Night Out Spot The Siren Best Guy's Night Out Spot The Siren Best 12-17 Kids Entertainment Surfing Best Harbor View (Tie) The Galley Dorn's Best Park Del Mar Park Best Amusement or Games Flippos Best Golf Course Morro Bay Golf Club Best Hotel The Inn at Morro Bay Best Family Outing Morro Strand Beach

Best Local Tasting Room Absolution Cellars

Best U12 Kids Entertainment Flippos Batting Cage

Top Dog Coffee Bar

Breweries, Taverns & Distilleries

Pets & Animals

Best Coffeehouse Top Dog Coffee Bar

Best Local Brewery 3 Stacks and a Rock

Best Juice Bar Shine Cafe

Best Local Spirit Wicked Harvest Whiskey

Best Salad Dorn's Breakers Cafe

Best Cup of Coffee The Rock Espresso Bar

Best Hearing Aid Specialist Morro Bay Hearing Aid Best Urgent Care or Clinic Morro bay Urgent care Best Tattoo Parlor Best Tattoos Best Nail Salon Morro Nails Best Hair Salon (Tie) Rio Catch a Wave Salon Best Barber Shop Mike’s Barbershop Best Gym or Personal Trainer Fitness works Best Health Food, Natural Food, or Grocery Store Sunshine Health Food

Financial, Real Estate, or Legal Best Bank or Credit Union SESLOC

Home Improvement Best Overall Home Improvement Miner's Ace Hardware

Best Feed Store Lemos

Best Construction & Building Materials Miner's Ace Hardware

Best Pet Store Lemos

Best Roofing Cencal

Shopping & Retail

Best Pet Grooming & Care Lemos Dippin’ Dogs Groomery

Best Flooring Flooring Discount Center

Best Women's Clothing Queen's Closet Poppy

Best Veterinarian or Pet Hospital Central Coast Veterinary

Best Pasta Place DiStasios on the Bay

Best Men's Clothing (Tie) Wavelengths Azhiaziam

Best Dog Park Dog Beach

Best Fresh Fish Giovannis

Best Thrift and Consignment Achievement House

Best Sushi Restaurant Umi Sushi

Best Antiques Tara Lee's Antiques

Health, Wellness & Beauty

Best Family Restaurant Lolo's

Best Furniture Couch Potato

Best Vegetarian or Vegan Shine Cafe

Best Overall Shopping & Retail The Ugly Mug Ceramics

Best Burger Joint Flavor Factory

Best Flowers & Florist Harbor Floral Studio

Best Mexican Restaurant Mi Casa

Best Books, Stationary, Gift Coalesce

Best Seafood Restaurant The Galley

Best Art Gallery The Ugly Mug Ceramics

Best Lunch Spot Bayside Cafe Best Farm-Fresh Fruit Avocado Shack

Best Chiropractor Dr Watson Best Optometrist and Eye Care Nadine Norris Best Dentist or Orthodontist Dr. Ratchford Best General Practitioner or Doctor Dr. Maher Best Pediatrician Dr. Bravo

Best Electrician Finley Electric

Auto Care Best Tire Sales and Service Hinson tires Best Car Wash and Auto Detail Silva’s auto detail Best Overall Auto Care Todd’s Garage Best Lube and Oil Service Bay Auto and Tire

Services Best Propane U-Haul Best Storage Company Morro Bay Secure Storage

A huge congratulations to all the winners of this year’s 2nd Annual Best of Morro Bay! We thank you our readers for taking the time to vote for your favorites! Without your support for all small businesses this would not be possible. As we all continue to endure this challenging time, we know that there is only one way we will get through this and that is, together.

Making Communities Better Through Print™

Morro Bay Life • June 2022 • 11

12 • June 2022 • Morro Bay Life

Making Communities Better Through Print™

Sometimes it's only when you grow up and step back from your Father that you can measure his greatness and fully appreciate it.

Happy Fathers Day

Photo by Derek Thomson

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